Chapter 2: Prologue 2: The Devil's Gift
Reborn as a God and a Devil King
A few moments before Lord God Lu Yi had assimilated his chosen vessel, in a very different world, separated by an unimaginable distance, a demon, more specifically a Demon King, was taking his last breath.
The Devil's 6 horns were covered in fire, but it was faint, perhaps you could even say it was just an ember. His long black hair waved in the air, reaching the four wings that were on his back.
And behind him was a silver-haired woman, a giant axe sling on her back.
The two of them were standing on top of a mountain of ash, or so it seemed. It was devoid of all life, where one could only see death from miles away.
"Mari, I think it's time for me to go," the devil spoke as he looked at the horizon, "... Can you feel it?".
"... Yes, Devil God," the silver haired woman named Mari replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Oh, wait ... really?", the Devil laughed as he received an abrupt reply, "Well, I guess it's time for you to go too." The Devil shrugged his shoulders.
"... Yes, Devil God," once again Mari answered bluntly. She has been answering this way since the beginning of their conversation.
"Are you ... sad?" said The Devil as he looked at the silver-haired woman behind her.
Upon hearing this question, Mari hesitated to answer. Her breathing became heavy as she tried to stop herself from moving.
And finally, after a few seconds, she answered, "... Yes, Demon God."
Again, Mari's response was still the same. The devil could only sigh as he looked once again at the horizon.
It was a lonely sight. Empty. There were no trees, no animals, no people, not even insects. Only the ash that rained down like snow greeted them. The dripping of the ashes, the embers on the devil's horns, and their breaths - these were the only sounds that echoed for miles.
The two continued like this, in silence.
Peace, only for a short time.
The silence was only broken by a meek, hesitant voice.
"... Have you chosen a vessel yet?", Mari said in a weak voice, "I could help you, if you need it."
Hearing Mari's question , The Demon King laughed.
"Me? To keep living?", The Devil shook his head, "I, of all beings, would know that I don't deserve to live. With all I have done in this world, a second chance at life is somewhat impossible for me."
As soon as he said this, the embers on his horns began to flicker. Then they began to wither. And still, the devil smiled.
"The time has come, Mari. You know, I always knew it would be you who would send me to my death," the Devil laughed, "But I never thought it would be like this. You were supposed to pierce a sword through my heart? but the only thing that pierced my heart, was your beauty."
"...," Mari was silent.
"You should respond, you know?", Devil's eyes twitched, "It's a bit awkward if you don't respond."
Hearing this, Mari sighed with a slight chuckle.
And once again, the two looked at the horizon in silence.
The embers on the devil's horns grew darker and darker, and once again, a smile was still on his face.
But that was it, he could already feel himself drifting away. One long sigh, that's all it would take, and the light that was keeping him alive would disappear.
And slowly, the devil let himself be carried away by the wind, his body swaying to the edges of the mountain. He let himself fall.
But before his feet could even reach the air, he felt an embrace from behind.
The embrace contained a warmth that was different from the fleeting embers that clouded it. This warmth was surrounded by life.
They remained like that for a minute, perhaps afraid to miss each other's warmth.
"...Marieri, Hero of Freiden," the Devil whispered, "Take care of the remaining people."
"...," Mari, the so-called Marieri, however, did not reply.
"You know ... I really love you," the Devil whispered.
Upon hearing the Devil's last words, the tears that Mari was trying to hold back exploded like lightning as they erupted, carrying the deepest feelings she kept trapped inside her.
"No!", Mari shouted as her embrace tightened, "You can't say that and just leave! This world still needs you! I need you!"
"I've done too much, Marieri," the devil shook his head, "I've tortured too much, and now it's my turn. My only regret is leaving you this colossal burden."
"Why?" sobbed Mari, "You could just hide, with me. We could leave this place, go east. So, why!? Why do you have to go!?"
"Because I am the Demon God!" cried the Demon as he broke free from Cortana's embrace, "I am the Evil Monarch ... I am the Demon! I thrive on war and death. Do you think a being like me has a place in an age of peace?"
"When we tell the people what you really did for them ..."
"What, that I killed a billion of them," the Devil laughed sarcastically, "And make no mistake, Marieri. I enjoyed every moment as I slowly took their pathetic lives. I tortured the fathers of millions of children, bathed my servants with their bodies, and laughed while doing it!"
"But-"
Before Mari could say a word, the Devil put her in his arms, hugging her completely.
"Enough ... Mari," the Devil smiled as he breathed in Marieri's scent, perhaps for the last time, "That ... is enough."
Feeling the Devil's embrace, Mari couldn't help but choke back tears as she once again wrapped her arms around the Devil.
"Please ... Kaisel," Mari sobbed, "Please don't leave me!"
But before she could finish her words, the tension surrounding her body vanished as she stumbled slightly. All that remained were the ashes that fluttered like fireflies in the sky.
Just like that, the Devil was gone. The only thing Marieri could do was to feel the warmth that still remained in her arm.
Mari then looked up at the fleeting embers floating in the sky as she gently touched her belly.
"Goodbye, Kaisel ... Farewell, my beloved."